Simon Pope running a boat building workshop with students

In the heart of Karratha Senior High School is a boatyard where, sitting on the stocks in various stages of construction, are five ‘Firebugs’, 2.4 metre sailing dinghies that come in kit form from New Zealand.  Animated groups of Year 11 students are working on the partially constructed craft.

This is the ‘Firebugs’ project, which, in conjunction with Dampier Camp School, is developing student skills in boat building, fitting out sails and rigging and painting.

“And much more than that,” says Simon Pope, Head of the Technology and Enterprise Department at the school. “It’s teaching them how to work in teams. There are 16 great kids in the class and they’re all very committed to this project.’

Of the 16, three are girls, “who,” Simon continues, “have had a tremendous lift in their confidence. At first they were scared of using the circular saws but now, having learned the proper methods and strict safety rules, they have absolutely no problem.”

There are other benefits too.

Says Mark Lee who’s 16, “I’ve learned to read plans and become like a team leader. The others in my group often turn to me when there’s a problem.” 

Simon Pope, Head of Technology and
Enterprise at Karratha Senior High School

Alannah Pemberton, who’s 15 and wants to become an electrician with Pilbara Iron says, “When we started the girls only got to do some work when the boys let us. So we’ve had to become more assertive. And anyway, there are some things we are better at.”

Five boats, already built, are at the Camp School ready for painting. Like those, the five currently under construction will be named by the students before they learn to sail them.

“The Camp School could have just bought a few sailing dinghies,” says Simon, “but that would have been too easy. We saw more advantage in our students learning to build boats before they learned to sail them. And of course the Camp School will use them to teach other kids how to sail.”

“Next year we’ll be building trailers and storage systems, so the students will be learning design and metal-working. And at the end of Year 12 there’ll be exams and all this experience will go towards their applications for university or an apprenticeship.”

“In the meantime,” he laughs, “you won’t be able to wipe the grins off their faces when they first see these boats go in the water.”